Starting a build thread from stock. This is my first build thread so any constructive criticism will be appreciated. I will try to document every mod. to show the progress and give other users an idea of what to expect when modding.

Stock
08 G37 Journey Package, 5 Speed AT,Gray Exterior, Ivory Interior

 

Welcome to the site!
Moved to the "Build Thread" folder.
Look forward to your progress

 

I'd like to see more shots of your Ivory interior. I haven't seen many of those with the gray color. Happy modding!

 

Had the car a little over two weeks and had to invest in Weathertech Floor Mats, the construction industry will kill carpet mats. I went with Black, they are a perfect fit, but the area around the gas pedal could use a taller lip. I also had the windows tinted this weekend. I went with 15% LLumar Ceramic Tint. From the exterior point of view they are darker than I wanted, but I do enjoy the amount of sun they block from the interior. I will get picture of mats and interior later.

 

Welcome and nice pick up! Any plans for the future, or still getting ideas?

 

My plans for future mods include the following, purchased in this order:
Takeda or Stillen Intake (waiting on a good deal)
Fast Intentions Resonated High flow Cats
Headers (undecided manufacturer)
Tanabe Touring Medallion Exhaust
Uprev Tune (done after all parts installed)


I am still researching and debating the gains these last two items provide.
Z1 Manifold
Stillen Crankshaft Pulley


It will be another month or two before I start buying parts. I'm waiting on my tax refund, selling my mtn. bike, selling old jeep parts.

 

Bought a used full tanabe CBE, just waiting for it to get here. I am under the impression that the stock hardware is reusable but what is the best product for gaskets? The system is used, am I going to have to order gaskets from tanabe? Has anyone used high temp RTV silicone? Trying to get ready for install.

 

Don't use the silicone, a muffler shop should have the gaskets you need or a place like Napa. You should be able to just take the exhaust over there and they can match them up.

 

Nice projected mod list. I went with all bolt on power mods first as well. Had to take a small detour when I found a great deal on some Vossens. But stuck to the plan more or less.

Looking forward to your future mods.

 

Im getting ready to install my Tanabe catback system this weekend and need some help.

Gaskets: I bought two different type of gaskets from advanced auto parts. One type is close to the size of the Y-pipe to Mid-pipe section. The other type is close to the size of the Mid-pipe to Muffler and Cat to Y-pipe sections. However, both gasket's I.D. is 1/8-1/4" smaller than the exhaust piping (pictures below). Will this have a noticeable negative impact on the flow/HP gains?

Exhaust Finish: The cans and tips I bought have some road tar/burnt rubber/grease... black crap on them, does anyone have an effective way of removing this gunk without scratching or tarnishing the stainless finish?


Installation: Any ideas or advice would be much appreciated. I know to soak the nuts and bolts in PB blaster for a looooooong time.

 

The area on the Y-pipe in my previous post was from it rubbing the ground hard enough to cause three small holes in the flexible part of the tubing. I closed them using high temp JB Weld, the exhaust repair kind. Other than that the systems seems to be in good shape. Now for the gaskets in question.

 

First three pics are of cat to y-pipe and mid-pipe to muffler gaskets. Other pictures are of y-pip to mid-pipe gasket.

 

Is it possible to use a dremel tool to get the ID closer to the actual pipe ID? I think I'd try to get that to match up closer.

As far as removing "gunk" from your pipes, Nevr-Dull is a good product and here's a good post along w/ polish for a nice finish

https://www.myg37.com/forums/g37-sed...ml#post3929009

 

Finally got my Tanabe catback installed this morning. The process was not bad at all. It should have taken two hours, but I had to ride my bike to lowes to get hardware for the muffler to midpipe. Overall time was 3 hours. The sound is a bit louder than I was anticipating but I'm am happy with it. I didn't take many pictures as I feel like it is pretty straight forward process. The most difficult part for me was getting the old muffler off of the rubber exhaust hangers and installing the tanabe midpipe onto their exhaust hangers. PB Blaster was my biggest help. Below is a picture of my ingenious ramp system. If anyone needs tips or points when installing your own catback PM me I'm happy to help.

 

Glad it worked out well, what did you end up doing w/ the gaskets?